In 57% of the most serious malpractice cases, physicians reported receiving favorable outcomes due to dismissals or verdicts, according Medscape's "The Rising Price of Risk Management: Physicians and Malpractice Report 2024."
The survey recorded responses from 1,029 physicians across 29 specialties from May 1 to June 11, 2024.
Here are eight highlights of the report:
1. Only 1 in 50 physicians said that malpractice lawsuits were decided in favor of the plaintiff.
2. Thirty-seven percent of cases were settled before trial.
3. Another 14% of physicians reported being dismissed from the lawsuit within the first few months. Another 7% were dismissed prior to trial.
4. Twelve percent of physicians said the judge or jury verdict was decided in their favor.
5. In 7% of cases, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the suit prior to trial,
6. Six percent of cases were dismissed by the court.
7. Another 1% of cases were settled during trial
8. "Other" represented responses in 3% of cases.